Our Work

“Scalpel At The Cross is not merely a ‘relieve then leave’ medical organization, but one that has invested the last 20+ years in the continuum of the patient care journey, demonstrating quality outcomes and actively engaging the local medical community in Orthopaedic training and knowledge exchange.”

Through nearly two decades, Scalpel At The Cross has effectively delivered more than $11 Million of healthcare to a patient population who otherwise would not receive it, a metric that pales in relation to the value of patients returned to livelihood, relationships developed and lives transformed (metrics derived from model published in Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery). At the basic level, the ministry purposes to treat medical needs, while providing sustainable solutions enhancing patients’ quality of life. In years past, this meant surgically treating fractures for crippling injuries and surrounding patients with clinical resources to ensure a quality outcome. More so, it meant receiving patients during their darkest moments and connecting them with a spiritual community to infuse them with hope that extends beyond physical recovery. Having validated the efficacy of our model and listened intently to the needs of those we serve, our revamped vision doubles down on our longstanding commitment to Pucallpa and surrounding Amazon region by scaling our impact to settings up and downstream from the operative environment.

Local leadership development is a strategic imperative of ours to establish a sustainable model of healthcare that survives beyond our lifespans. That is why we have worked collaboratively with local leaders to identify community assets and support sustainable development through educational exchange and career development in orthopaedic surgery, physical therapy, and orthotics and prosthetics. The question we are asking ourselves is how do we scale this model that has yielded such life changing and eternal impact? How do we reach more people faster? Our Miracle Campus vision will scale our impact “through the development of a campus that supports the Spiritual, Orthopaedic, and Socioeconomic needs of our patient population and those who serve them.”

SATC recognizes that surgical education, local research, leadership, and knowledge exchange are essential for a sustainable short-term program. Key past investments in medical education and healthcare infrastructure include:

Investments in Medical Education (KPIs)

  • Sponsored 4 local surgeons and one physical therapist for 2-3 month long observership rotations with experts in the United States and Costa Rica.
  • Hosted several orthopaedic trauma conferences and grand rounds lectures in Pucallpa with more than 50 regional attendees.
  • Introduced the first SIGN Nail program in Latin America at local hospital and sponsored local surgeons to attend SIGN training and educational conference in the United States.
  • SATC professionals, including surgeons, physical therapists, and prosthetists, collaborate with local counterparts on each trip, adopting practices, discussing cases, and providing specialized training.